In the early 19th Century mirror production had finally taken off as a decorative accessory and mirrors were extremely popular in both Europe and America. We can’t be fully sure as to when the first sunburst style mirror in the same design we know today was first produced however research suggests it could be any time within the 19th Century.

At one time mirrors were made using a backing of mercury but these are no longer manufactured. They can also be made using silver precipitated from a silver nitrate solution. However today most mirrors are made by evaporating aluminum onto glass although other coats are applied to improve adhesion and durability. For example a black backing can be applied to improve opacity and reflectivity.